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Stock illustration essentials
What is an illustration?
An illustration is an image that’s hand drawn using either tangible media like pens and pencils or digital media. Most illustrations accompany text.
How can I use stock illustrations?
Stock illustrations can be used for a wide range of purposes, including website design, social media posts, presentations, marketing materials, and more.
What file formats are available for download?
When you download an illustration from Getty Images, in most cases, you can choose which file format you want it in: an editable EPS (vector) file or a fixed JPEG (raster) file available in a range of sizes.
While JPEG raster images are made up of pixels (tiny colored squares arranged in a rectangular grid to form an image), vector graphics use mathematical calculations to plot points and the paths that connect them to describe the image.
Because EPS files can be easily manipulated, colored and resized without any loss of quality, you'll need a specialized vector‑editing program like Adobe® Illustrator®, InDesign, CorelDraw, Publisher, or Inkscape (free) to open and edit them.
If you don't have access to one of these programs, you can always download a flattened (non‑editable) JPEG version of any Getty Images illustration.
While JPEG raster images are made up of pixels (tiny colored squares arranged in a rectangular grid to form an image), vector graphics use mathematical calculations to plot points and the paths that connect them to describe the image.
Because EPS files can be easily manipulated, colored and resized without any loss of quality, you'll need a specialized vector‑editing program like Adobe® Illustrator®, InDesign, CorelDraw, Publisher, or Inkscape (free) to open and edit them.
If you don't have access to one of these programs, you can always download a flattened (non‑editable) JPEG version of any Getty Images illustration.
Can I use stock illustrations for commercial projects?
Most of our illustrations are licensed on a royalty‑free basis. This doesn’t mean that they’re free to use – it means that after you pay for a licence once, you can use the file in almost any way you want, as often as you want, forever, under the content licence agreement, without paying the copyright holder a royalty each time you use it.
Purchasing a licence gives you the legal right to use the file, plus it ensures that our contributors are paid for the great work they do.
Purchasing a licence gives you the legal right to use the file, plus it ensures that our contributors are paid for the great work they do.
What is the difference between graphic design and illustration?
Graphic design incorporates elements like illustrations, photos, and typography to create finished products, such as logos, advertisements, and posters.
On the other hand, illustrations are typically hand‑drawn or painted stand‑alone images that can be used to tell a story or visually represent a complex concept.
While both graphic design and illustration involve visual elements and artistry, they are ultimately distinct crafts that serve different purposes.
Getty Images has thousands of high‑quality stock illustrations that are searchable by function, medium, and style. You’ll design with confidence when know you can find the perfect illustration elements for your project.
On the other hand, illustrations are typically hand‑drawn or painted stand‑alone images that can be used to tell a story or visually represent a complex concept.
While both graphic design and illustration involve visual elements and artistry, they are ultimately distinct crafts that serve different purposes.
Getty Images has thousands of high‑quality stock illustrations that are searchable by function, medium, and style. You’ll design with confidence when know you can find the perfect illustration elements for your project.